1Let a man so reckon (account, regard) us as servants (attendant, underling, under-rower, subordinate executing official orders) of Christ and stewards (household managers) of the mysteries of God. 2So as to the rest, it is sought in the stewards (household managers) that one be found faithful. 3As for me it is for the very least thing that I be examined (investigated) by you, or by man’s day [in court], but rather I do not even examine myself. 4For I am conscious of (privy of) nothing against myself, but rather I have not by this been shown justified; but the One examining me is the Lord. 5So then do not decide judgment against anything before the time, until the Lord has come, who will also bring to light the hidden (secret) things of darkness and will make apparent the resolved plans (counsels, determined-plans, deliberations) of the hearts; and then fitting praise (commendation) will come to each from God.

6Now these things, brothers, I have figuratively adapted (bring about change in outward shape, change in outward appearance after a change, transfigured, latin- transfiguravi) to myself and Apollos, on account of you, that in us you may learn not to go above what has been written, that none of you may be puffed up one above the other. 7For who distinguishes you? What do you have which you did not receive? And if you also did receive it, why do you boast as having not received it?

8You are already satiated, you have already been enriched, apart from us you reigned, and I wish that you really did reign, that we may also reign with you. 9For I think that God has exhibited (shown forth with proof and separation from) us apostles last, as condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, and to angels and to men. 10We are morons on account of Christ, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we are without attributed honor. 11As far as the present hour, we hunger and thirst and are poorly clothed and are struck with the fist and wander homeless (unsettled), 12And grow weary, working with our own hands. Being reviled (to say harsh things, verbally abuse insultingly, spew bitter-mean-insulting words to demoralize), we bless (speak well of); being persecuted (chased/hunted to overtake, put to flight), we still bear up (hold up, endure); 13being defamed by evil report, we entreat. We have become as the scum (refuse filth) of the world, the wiped-off scum of all until now.

14I do not write these things to turn you away in shame, but to admonish (place in mind, reasoning by warning) you as my beloved children. 15For if you should have ten thousand legal guardians (legally appointed overseer, authorized to bring up children) in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus through the gospel, I have begotten you. 16Therefore, I entreat you to become imitators (mimetes- mimic, emulators) of me. 17Because of this, I sent to you, Timothy, who is my beloved child and faithful in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways that are in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18Now certain ones have become puffed up, as to my not coming to you now. 19However, I will come to you without necessary delay (speedily), if possibly the Lord wishes (wills) and I will come to know (find out) not the speech of those being puffed up, but rather the power. 20For the kingdom of God is not in word (speech), but in power. 21What do you want (wish)? Should I come to you with a rod (staff/specter of authority, often for chastising/scourging) or in love with a spirit of meekness (mildness, gentleness, balanced gentle strength)?